The Super Bowl stage is officially set, and with the Seahawks and Patriots punching their tickets to the big game, the rest of the league turns its attention to the offseason. For teams like the Saints, who saw their season end earlier than hoped, the 2026 NFL Draft is the next major checkpoint-and New Orleans finds itself in a prime position with the No. 8 overall pick.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order - First Round
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers
- Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers)
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Chicago Bears
- Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers
- Houston Texans
- Los Angeles Rams
- Denver Broncos
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
What the Saints Can Do at No. 8
For New Orleans, the No. 8 pick is more than just a draft slot-it’s a chance to reshape the offense around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. The front office has made it clear: building a reliable, dynamic supporting cast around Shough is the priority. If the Saints can shore up the running back room and solidify the interior of the offensive line before draft day, wide receiver becomes the next big piece of the puzzle.
Enter Carnell Tate, the Ohio State standout who’s generating serious buzz as a potential top-10 selection. While Tate wasn't the WR1 in Columbus, don’t let that fool you-he plays like one.
Ohio State has a long track record of producing NFL-ready receivers, and Tate fits that mold. At 6-foot-3, he brings size, physicality, and a knack for making contested catches.
He’s the kind of receiver who can bail out a young quarterback, and that's exactly what the Saints need.
Tate’s ability to adjust mid-air and secure tough grabs makes him a quarterback’s best friend-something New Orleans sorely lacked at times last season. The Saints had their share of misfires in the passing game, often due to timing issues or receivers struggling to create separation. Tate’s presence could help stabilize that phase of the offense.
Now, he’s not a finished product. As a route runner, there’s still refinement needed.
But when Tate beats a defender off the line, it’s game over-his long speed and acceleration make him a serious vertical threat. He can stretch the field, win in the red zone, and serve as a versatile piece in a modern offense.
Pairing him with Chris Olave-another Ohio State product-would give the Saints a dynamic one-two punch at wideout. Olave’s precision and speed on the outside would complement Tate’s physicality and ability to win downfield. It’s the kind of duo that could elevate Shough’s development and give New Orleans a much-needed identity on offense.
If Tate is on the board when the Saints are on the clock, it’s hard to imagine a better fit.